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Last updated: June 14, 2018

Omaha Mayor to Honor Stefan Ray for Rescuing Child from Pit Bull Attack

Stefan Ray Day
UPDATE 02/09/09: Mayor Mike Fahey declared Monday Stefan Ray Day, in tribute to the man who helped save a 15-month-old girl from a pit bull attack last summer. The attack left Charlotte Blevins with severe injuries and provided the major impetus for passing Omaha's strict dangerous dog ordinance. DogsBite.org applauds Mayor Fahey for recognizing Stefan Ray's lifesaving actions.

The award ceremony fell on day in which Omaha was reeling from another violent pit bull attack. Sadly few laws could have prevented this attack.

01/29/09: Stefan Ray to be Honored by Mayor
Omaha, NE - Last June, Stefan Ray watched as Charlotte Blevins was literally scalped by a pit bull. Hearing screaming, he dashed outside in his underwear. Ray tells reporters, "It was not a flattering picture trust me. But when I got out the door, I remember seeing Duke jerk." Stefan got between Duke and the family and got the girl into his home. He knew from medical training that doctors might be able to reattach her tissue.

Charlotte's mother, Wendy Blevins, recently asked Mayor Mike Fahey to honor Stefan. She wrote a letter to Action 3 News describing his bravery, "I love this man for all he did and my story's ending could have ended differently had he not come out of the house to help us." Stefan Ray ended up in the emergency room that same night. He had been home recovering from four surgeries when the pit bull ruptured his sutures. He has colon cancer. He says, "Things are better, better than six months ago."

The mayor will honor Stefan February 9th during a special ceremony at City Hall.

Related articles:
08/02/08: Hero Stories: Honoring Those Who Have Stopped a Deadly Pit Bull Attack
06/28/08: Coverage of the Omaha Pit Bull Attack - DogsBite.org

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7 thoughts on “Omaha Mayor to Honor Stefan Ray for Rescuing Child from Pit Bull Attack”

  2. I remember this man from the video! I had no idea he was recovering from cancer surgery. I recall his emotion, his obvious concern…he was in tears. And I remember how starkly it contrasted with the reaction of the pit bull owner…. her flat, unemotional response and lack of remorse.

  3. I cannot believe this man was in stitches still recovering from surgery. Stefan Ray is a stunning example of courage and selflessness to be sure.

  4. The World Herald has a nice update:
    http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10559762

    Omaha Firefighter Stan Shearer and good Samaritan Stefan Ray know the power of rampaging pit bulls. Quick actions by both men saved two victims from further mauling.

    Although the attacks took place months apart and miles away from each other, Shearer and Ray are united by their heroic efforts. Shearer used a metal pole to restrain a pit bull. Ray used his bare hands.

    The day after Shearer and other firefighters came to the rescue of a 48-year-old woman in Douglas County, Ray was honored by the city for saving a toddler last summer in eastern Omaha.

  5. Oh where do we find such men?

    No doubt the Nutters will rehash the exploits of SGT Stubby (listed as a mixed breed by the Smithsonian). After a couple hundred deaths, and countless level 5 maulings from the breed I think Stubby’s exploits have more than evened out by now.

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